UK-based Filipino Nurses, faced with hostile immigration policy and cash strapped NHS Trusts are increasingly
looking to start a new life in the USA.

Whilst British Government are restricting immigration with tighter rules and removing nurses from the ‘shortage
occupations’ list, the situation in America couldn’t be more different.

The United States needs over one million nurses and, unlike the UK, can offer long term job security and
permanent residence to nurses and their families. An ageing population and a growing need for healthcare means that their
need for more nurses will continue for the next 20 years.

Thousands of overseas nurses working for the NHS are facing the threat of redundancy or non-renewal of contracts.
This, coupled with the Home Office decision to raise the term for ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ from 4 to 5 years
without warning in April, has prompted many nurses to once again look for better job opportunities abroad.

Bison UK, a leading UK recruitment firm, is launching a USA nursing programme in January 2007 to help nurses
who wish to relocate to America.

Charles Kelly, Managing Director of Bison UK said:

"Nurses are understandably concerned about their future here. We are receiving calls every day from our ‘Bison
Babies’, those nurses we have helped come to the UK over the past 7 years, who are desperately worried about their jobs
and government immigration policy.

"Hardly a day goes by without reading something about changing rules, immigration crackdowns, the ‘Points
Based System’ or NHS job cuts.

"We feel a sense of responsibility towards our nurses as we have encouraged them, and in some cases their
entire family, to start a new life in the UK. Unfortunately, the tide of immigration has turned against us, which is why we
are launching the USA scheme in January to give nurses the opportunity to find greener pastures."

What can nurses expect working in America?

Well, for one thing a much better standard of living. Salaries are higher and the cost of living is lower.
Earnings vary depending on which state you choose to work in, but salaries of $50,000 to $60,000 are not uncommon. Most hospitals
offer the following:

· Competitive salaries

· Excellent benefits

· Safe working environment

· Innovative health services

· Cutting edge technologies

· Mentorship

The United States is not so much a country as a vast continent with the population and size similar to the
whole of Europe. The cost of living can vary wildly between different cities. For instance, a nurse earning $22.00 per hour
in Houston, Texas would have to earn $27.50 per hour in Boston and $43.00 in San Francisco to enjoy the same standard of living.

What are the requirements?

You will have to pass NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) to become registered as a nurse in the
United Sates. Most recruitment agencies offer candidates a training programme to help them pass the exam which can now be
taken in the UK.

Nurses will also be expected to pass the English test and have at least two years nursing experience.

The main drawback to going to the United States has always been the long processing time, which is why many
Filipinos opted to come to the UK. A team of leading US based Immigration Lawyers have been hired to smooth the visa process
and bring waiting times down to as little as one year.

Many Filipinos have relatives or some connections in America and you will not find yourself alone. Millions
of Filipinos have already made it in the land of opportunity.

Further details on the ‘Nurses-to-USA’ programme will be released later this month on their website
www.nursejobamerica.com

If you have any specific questions or comments, or need advise, please email me
at cbarker@immigrationmatters.co.uk